A hit Vancouver storytelling series is coming to New Westminster.
Massey Theatre is hosting the first local edition of The Flame on Sunday, Nov. 26 at the Plaskett Gallery.
Deborah Williams, an award-winning performer who’s the co-creator of the international hit Mom’s the Word, is bringing the popular storytelling series to town to feature talents from New Westminster.
Laura Drummond, co-presenter of the series and a performer from New West, said the local focus is important.
“The impetus for the Flame New Westminster came from a desire from local professional performers to have an outlet in their own city,” Drummond said. “Many of these actors, poets and singers have a successful career outside of New Westminster but want to share their art in the city that they love.”
Featured stories – which must be true and “happened-to-you” – will be told by local residents Janice Bannister, Lisa Bunting, Drummond, Colleen Winton, JJ Lee and Syd Bosel, along with poet Aidan Chafe, Devon More and musical guest Jay Brazeau.
Jessica Schneider, executive director of the Massey Theatre Society, said the theatre is always happy to provide space to a grassroots group of artists who want to add to the city’s arts scene.
“We’re happy to be able to help ignite this series that will hopefully grow into something lasting that will showcase performers of all disciplines in New Westminster,” she said.
The Flame starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to help sponsor an emerging artist to attend one of Williams’ storytelling workshops.
Along with the storytelling night, Williams will also be hosting a storytelling intensive workshop on Saturday, Nov. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The workshop is designed to give people the tools to create and share a compelling story.
Participants can bring a short, interesting personal anecdote – it must be true, about you, and told in less than five minutes – and Williams will work with them to get it performance-ready.
The workshop costs $150, and participants can email [email protected] to arrange e-transfer or payment.
See www.facebook.com/groups/flamevancouver/about/ for more details.
